Mazeppa

"Mazeppa" by Frederick Whishaw is a story about a Cossack noble and his tumultuous life filled with rivalry, ambition, and love. Set in the early 20th century amidst the backdrop of Cossack independence, the narrative begins with Chelminsky, who tells about his younger years. He shares about first meeting his cousin, Mazeppa, and how both were pages in the Polish court until a fight got them kicked out. This incident sparks a long-lasting competition between them, which gets even more intense when they fall for the same woman, Falbofsky's wife. These early events kick off an adventure where personal growth meets the struggles of Cossack society, making for a story packed with character development, drama, and historical events.